Worm-infested food kits distributed to landslide victims; tension mounts amid protest in Meppadi panchayat office

WAYANAD: People came in flocks in front of the Meppadi Panchayat office and barged inside in protest after it was reported that the panchayat distributed worm-infested food kits to Chooralmala disaster victims. The food items were reportedly infested and the disaster victims couldn't use even rice and semolina provided. The situation became tense as more people reportedly reached Meppadi panchayat in protest.

People complained that the food items provided were not even edible for animals and also alleged that the office provided used clothes to disaster victims. At the same time, the Panchayat authorities have clarified that they have only provided goods sent by voluntary organizations and the revenue department.

DYFI workers staged a protest in the UDF-ruled panchayat. The activists who tried to enter the panchayat were stopped by the police. The workers protested by destroying the chairs and benches inside the office. The panchayat had distributed the food items in haste minding the approaching by-polls in Wayanad.

DYFI activists told the media that the panchayat administration has agreed to provide new food packets to the victims.